African Grey Parrot in Nigeria: Where They Live, the Law, and Buying Legally
African greys are native to Nigeria's southern forests and endangered. What the law says about buying one, how the smuggling trade works, and how to buy a captive-bred grey.
Yes, you can own an African grey parrot in Nigeria, but only a captive-bred one. Trade in wild-caught greys is banned, and the species is endangered. Before you buy, here's what you need to know.
Where African greys live in Nigeria
The grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a Nigerian bird. It lives wild in the forests of southern Nigeria, and in neighbouring Cameroon and across Central Africa. Its numbers have fallen sharply because of trapping for the pet trade and loss of forest, and it is now listed as Endangered.
What the law says
Grey parrots are protected internationally under CITES, which since 2017 has banned commercial trade in wild-caught greys between countries. In Nigeria, the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, amended in 2016, bans trade in wild-caught greys. Captive-bred birds can be traded only by sellers registered with the authorities. NESREA enforces these rules.
The smuggling trade
Nigeria is both a source of wild greys and a route for birds smuggled from neighbouring countries. Enforcement is real:
- In July 2025, Customs intercepted 120 smuggled grey parrots in Adamawa State.
- In 2025, further seizures were made in Lagos, Abuja and Kano, and arrests followed.
Every wild bird sold pays for the next trap. Many wild-caught greys also die in transport or arrive stressed and sick.
How to tell a captive-bred grey from a wild one
- **A closed leg ring.** Put on as a chick, it can't be added to an adult bird.
- **Age.** Captive-bred greys are usually sold young. Young greys have dark grey eyes; adults have pale yellow eyes.
- **Behaviour.** Hand-raised greys are calm around people. Wild-caught adults are often terrified and may pluck their feathers.
- **Paperwork and a reachable breeder.** Ask where the bird was bred and by whom.
How much is an African grey in Nigeria?
At Clawfrican, an African grey is ₦250,000 as of November 2026. Prices change, so check our available birds for the current price. Be very wary of greys sold far below the going rate.
Is a grey right for you?
Greys are brilliant, sensitive birds that live 40 to 60 years. They need daily time with you, a big cage, a varied diet and a calm routine. Many learn to talk, but no seller can promise it. We guarantee tame and friendly birds, not talking. Start with our African grey guide for first-time owners.
Cover photo: ❤Blackangelツ (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.